HC Deb 16 February 1955 vol 537 c385
18. Mr. Speir

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will ensure that in any scheme of modernisation and re-equipment of British Railways the requirements of branch lines and rural areas are not overlooked.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Yes, Sir. That is clear from the plan itself.

Mr. Speir

Does my right hon. Friend realise that in the proposals so far put forward by the British Transport Commission there is little reference to this subject, and will he draw the attention of the British Transport Commission to this grave error?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

If my hon. Friend will look at paragraph 47 of the modernisation Report, he will see that the use of diesel units on these lines is strongly and, I think, wisely recommended.

Mr. Ernest Davies

Is it not a fact that before any branch line is closed the matter is referred to a Transport Users Consultative Committee?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

That is so.

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